Boone County "Week in Review"

For week ending Saturday, August 14, 2010

Columbia, Mo. (August 13, 2010)—

THINGS YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED...

Public Works Awarded DNR Grant for Stream Education: Boone County Public Works has received a $16,275 grant from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct work shops on stream care for landowners. The 18-month project will work to increase awareness and knowledge of streamside landowners in Boone County on the proper maintenance, placement, effectiveness, and environmental benefits of erosion control best management practices. The funding will be used to conduct three demonstration workshops, hold two public field days and install three stream BMP demonstrations. In addition, a stream table will be constructed, and a stream care guide booklet will be updated to assist landowners with making sound decisions when caring for their stream. The grant is funded in part through section 319 of the clean water act, with EPA Region 7 and DNR contributing 60 percent, and the County and its partners contributing 40 percent.

Boone County Recognized for Census Participation: On Tuesday, the US Census Bureau presented the Boone County Commission with a plaque to honor the County's work as a partner with the 2010 US Census.
This summer marks the peak of 2010 Census Quality Assurance operations. A small number of households will receive a follow-up phone call or visit from a census taker to ensure that the data collected on census forms is as accurate and complete as possible. The statutory deadline for all state population counts is Dec. 31, 2010. The final counts will determine how more than $400 billion of federal funding each year is spent on infrastructure and services as well as the number of congressional seats for each state. For more information go to http://2010.census.gov/2010census/.

Immunization Requirements Change for Missouri School Children: Students must show documentation of up-to-date immunization status, including the month, day and year of each immunization before they can attend school. The Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services offers the required school immunizations on a walk-in basis, Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Parents are reminded to always bring up-to-date immunization records for children receiving vaccine. For more information, contact Trina Teacutter at 573-874-6303.

Submissions Wanted for Stormwater PSA Contest: The Hinkson Creek Watershed Restoration Project is sponsoring a Stormwater Public Service Announcement (PSA) Video Contest that challenges filmmakers residing or attending school within Boone County to produce short, creative videos that highlight stormwater or water pollution issues.

The Hinkson Project is accepting submissions for the contest through Oct.12, 2010.

All films should be 30 seconds or less, and multiple entries are allowed. There are two categories being offered; under 18 and 18 and over. Awards will be given to the top two videos in each category: First place in each category will receive $500 while second place in each category will receive $250. Winning submissions will be announced in October.

The PSAs will be aired on local television stations, in local movie theaters and during educational events. For more information about the contest or stormwater, visit www.helpthehinkson.org.

COMING UP...

Blood Drive: The American Red Cross will host a blood drive Aug. 18 from 8 a.m. to noon in the Boone County Commission Chambers, 801 East Walnut, Columbia, Mo., 65201. To make an appointment donors can visit www.redcrossblood.org and enter "boonecogovernment" as the sponsor code.

East Area Plan Meeting:The City of Columbia and Boone County Planning and Zoning Commissions will host the fifth and final public information meeting regarding the East Area Plan (EAP), formally called the East Columbia Area Plan (ECAP), Aug. 31, 2010 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Columbia Benevolent Organization’s Meeting Hall located inside the Elk’s Lodge, 4747 Elk Park Drive East (east of Cedar Grove Elementary School off State Route WW).

The purpose of the meeting is to present draft findings relating to future land use allocation and growth management strategies for the study area as well as obtain community feedback on previously presented chapters. The East Area Plan is intended to guide growth on the lands generally bounded by I-70, US 63, New Haven Road and Rangeline Road in eastern Boone County.